Three Academy graduates offered deals

14 April 2014

Watkins, Riley-Lowe and Pope all offered professional contracts

Exeter City are pleased to announce that Ollie Watkins, Connor Riley-Lowe and Jason Pope have all been offered professional contracts with the club following the completion of their apprenticeships at the Academy.

The three youngsters will all join forward Matt Jay, who was offered a first-team contract in December, in the professional ranks.

Unfortunately defender Hussein Heidari and midfielder James Byrne have not been offered professional contracts.

Everyone at Exeter City Football Club would like to iterate their gratitude to all five players for their effort, commitment and dedication during their time at the Academy.

Academy manager Simon Hayward said: “Firstly we thank Hussein and James for the time they spent with us at the Academy. They are two good young men that brought a fantastic attitude to the club and we wish them all the best for their future, on and off the pitch.

“We are delighted that four more Academy players from this crop will be given an opportunity in a first-team environment.

“It speaks volumes about the quality of player that we are turning out at the Academy, but even more importantly, it speaks volumes about the club as a whole and its ethos of developing and investing in young players from the local area.

“I am very appreciative towards the club and the manager for taking such a positive approach towards our youth department.”